Electric fluid heater



June 27, 1950 H. c. INMAN 2,513,242

ELECTRIC FLUID HEATER Filed Oct. 11, 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 44 J4 M g 4/ J 13 a. 1 5i i 42 H W- N INVENTOR 28 10/1115 Charla 42 BY 23M 1 7M ATTORNEYS June 27, 1950 H. c. INMAN ELECTRIC FLUID HEATER Filed Oct. 11 1945 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Y 6M V ATTORNEYS 0 J c 2 ,0 1 1. M 1 6 M v/ m w 12, 5 N M 2 4 J 8 M 4/ r M MW 8 a w w .2 M

Patented June 27, 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC FLUID HEATER Hollis C. Inman, Miami Beach, Fla.

Application October 11, 1945, Serial No. 621,740

8' Claims. 1

This invention relates. to apparatus for heating fluid, either liquid or gas, for domestic or industrial uses.

More specifically, the invention relates to electric heating means of. the induction type adapted to heat the fluidas it is passing therethrough.

The principal object of the invention is to provide heating means adapted to be connected in apipe line to heat a liquid or gas as it is flowing therethrough or to be associated with a storage tank or boiler as a side arm heater or an immersion heater.

A more specific object. of the invention is to provide an efiicient and economical induction heating apparatus particularly adapted for heating water for domestic or industrial use.

Still another object of the invention is to provide liquid heating apparatus of the induction type whichwill quickly provide a supply of heated liquid without requiring the heating of a cmparatively large body of the liquid, irrespective ofwhether said heating apparatus is connected with a storage tank or boiler.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in. conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is an enlarged elevational view of one form of an induction type of heating unit embodying the principles oithe present invention;

Fig. 2 is a view partly in. section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is atransverse sectional view taken on the line3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. t is an enlarged transverse sectional view of the magnetic core of the heating unit shown iii-Figs. 1 to 3;

Fig. 5 is, a diagrammatic view illustrating the manner inwhich the induction heating unit of Fig. 1 may be connected with a storage tank or boiler andserve as aside arm heater;

Fig. 6 is anelevationalview of a modified form of magnetic core;

Fig. 7 i aplan view of the magnetic core shown in Fig. 6;

8 is an elevaticnal view of another form (if-magnetic core;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the magnetic core shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. lo'is an enlarged vertical sectional view through animmersiontype of induction heating device embodying theprinciples of theinvention;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of the device shown in Fig.

Fig. 12 is anenlarged sectional view taken on theline lZ-l 2 of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on the line |3l3 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a view diagrammatically illustrating a liquid storage tank or boiler having the immersion type of induction, heater shown in Fig. 10 installed therein;

Fig. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of a modified form of heater;

Fig. 16 is a sectional View taken on the line Iii-46 of Fig. 15; and

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating a form of expansion joint that may be employed in the heating units shown in Figs. 10 and 15.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, the fluid heating unit is generally identified by the letter H and comprises a non-magnetic tube or duct l, preferably copper, containing a fluted iron or magnetic core 2. The magnetic core 2 consists of a. body 3 which is solid transversely, as best i1- lustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, but which is provided on its exterior surface with a plurality of longitudinaly extending ridges 4 with a flute or groove 5 disposed between each two adjacent ridges. Preferably, the entire surface of the magnetic core 2 is coated or plated with a thin layer of copper 8. The plated magnetic core 2 fits tightly within the copper tube l with the plated surface of the crown of theridges 4 in intimate contact with the inner surface of said copper tube. The copper tube l and the copper coating 5 on the magnetic core 2 serve as the secondary of the induction heating unit H. Inasmuch a the tube is preferably made of copper, and the magnetic core 2 is coated with a layerof copper 6, the fluid which passes through the passageways provided by the flutes 5 contacts only with nonmagnetic metal.

The non-magnetic tube I has a coil '1 of insulated resistance wire wound directly upon the exterior thereof and said coil serves as the primary winding of the induction heater. Thewire of the primary winding '1 is very fine, preferably 20 gauge or .035 in diameter. Any suitable insulation may be applied to the wire of the primary winding 7, but very satisfactory results have been obtained by using glass insulation of a thickness of about .002" which will withstand temperatures as high as 1000 F. While glass insulation is mentioned as preferred, it will be understood that any insulation capable of satisfactorily withstanding the high temperatures involved maybe employed.

The primary winding 1 is surrounded by a ferrous or magnetic cylindrical casing or shell Ill which is arranged concentrically with respect to the non-magnetic tube I and is maintained in such relationship by iron cap members I I disposed at the opposite ends thereof. Each of the cap members I I includes a flanged portion I2 which telescopes over the adjacent end of the iron shell I I) and is secured thereto by a plurality of screws I3. Each of the cap memhers I I also includes a reduced neck portion I4 which fits snugly about the non-magnetic tube I and may be secured thereto by any suitable means, such as a set screw M A hollow switch box I5 is provided with a plurality of rearwardly extending tabs Iii which partially embrace the shell III and are secured to said shell by screws I I. The shell Ii] has an opening I8 (Fig. 2) through which the leads I9 and 20 of the primary winding I extend for connection with a conventional switch 2i mounted in the switch box I5 for controlling the supply of current to the primary winding I. The switch box I 5 is also provided with a conventional pilot light 22 which is illuminated whenever the circuit to the primary winding 1 is closed. Current is supplied to the switch box IE through leads 23 and 24.

The opposite ends of the non-magnetic tube I are threaded as indicated in the drawings to facilitate coupling of the heating unit H in a pipe line (not shown) for heating the fluid flowing through said pipe line.

Alternatively, the heating unit H may also be connected with a liquid storage tank 25 (Fig. 5) for example, by a ferrous pipe 26 having one end thereof connected with the lower end of the non-magnetic tube I and its opposite end connected with an outlet adjacent the lower end of the tank 25. The upper end of the nonmagnetic tube I is connected by a ferrous pipe 21 with an inlet adjacent the upper end of the tank 25. Water or other liquid to be heated is introduced into the tank 25 through a supply pipe- 28 connected at one end with a source of supply and at its opposite end with the bottom of said tank. A service pipe 29 has one end thereof connected to the top of the tank 25.

- 'While the winding I has been referred to as .the primary winding of the induction heating ,unit H, the secondary winding is formed by the copper tube I, which preferably is made as thin as practicable to facilitate heat transfer. As has been previously pointed out, the copper plating on the core 2 also serves as'a portion of the secondary winding of the heating unit. The magnetic core 2 is made of such length that its ends terminate at a point marked 30 (Fig. 2) in the zone of the cap members II. The cap members II and the shell In of the casing which encloses the primary winding I are preferably made of iron or other ferrous metal and provide a closed path for the magnetic flux created when the primary winding I is-energized. Thus, the shell I0 and cap pieces II in effect serve as an oute magnetic core for the induction heater. 1

In accordance with the principles of the invention, and irrespective of whether the heating unit 8 is connected in a pipe line or with a storage tank, the liquid to be heated passes between the magnetic core 2 and the non-magnetic tube I through the several channels provided by the flutes 5. The surfaces contacted by the liquid, as has been previously pointed out, are non- 4 magnetic. The iron core 2 is magnetic. Hence, the non-magnetic tube I, and the core surfaces 6 defining the flutes 5 become the short-circuitecl secondary oi the transformer heater. The induced electrical currents flowing in the shortcircuited secondary result in the creation of a high heat which is transmitted to the liquid. Additional heat for heating the liquid is caused by hysteresis and eddy currents within the magnetic core 2.

A closed magnetic circuit for the transformer is provided by the inner fluted magnetic core 2 and the outer magnetic or ferrous casing II-I0-I I.

. The primary winding "I is energized by alternating current, and high induced, short-circuited currents are set up in said tube, and in the non-ferrous or non-magnetic surfaces provided by the plating 6 on the flutes. These short-circuited currents create high temperatures and the liquid becomes heated through direct contact with the heated tube I and the planted surfaces of the flutes .5. Furthermore, additional indirect heat is derived from the glass insulated primary winding I, which heat results from the resistance to the flow of electrical current oifered by the wire of the primary winding '1. The heat created especially by the secondary winding is such that insulation capable of withstanding high temperatures must be employed.

As will be apparent from the foregoing, the magnetic circuit is a closed circuit consisting of the inner magnetic core 2 and the outer magnetic core or casing IIIt-I I. The magnetic flux created by the primary winding I cuts the short-circuited secondary I and passes into the magnetic core 2 and along said core to the point 30 at one end thereof, and thence through one of the cap members I I, the shell Ill and then back to the opposite end of the magnetic core 2 through the other cap member I I A high power factor is obtained by having the crown of the ridges d fit tightly against the inner surface of the non-magnetic tube I.

Any leakage flux entering the flutes 5 is trapped and will pass through the non-magnetic copper plating 6 on the surfaces of the core 2 creating additional heat that is directly absorbed by the liquid passing thriugh the flutes 5. This provides for very economical heating of the liquid without energy waste.

When the heater H is used as a side arm heater, the fiow of liquid is upward through said heater as indicated by the arrows. Thus, the heated liquid is delivered to the upper end of the tank 25 where it is available for immediate withdrawal through the service pipe 29. Consequently, hot liquid is made available without requiring the entire contents of the tank 25 to be heated. If a greater volume of liquid is heated than withdrawn, the liquid will circulate in the tank 25 in the manner indicated by the arrows.

Figs. 6 and '7 illustrate a modified form of iron or magnetic core 3| that may be used in lieu of the magnetic core 2 previously described. The core 3| comprises four ridges 32, instead of six, forming a corresponding number of flutes 33 therebetween. The magnetic core 3| is also preferably provided with a non-magnetic coating or copper plating 34.

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate another form of copper plated magnetic core 35 that may be used in lieu of either of the magnetic cores previously described, The core 35 includes four ridges or tral passageway 38 extending longitudinally" therethrough from end to end. The passageway 38 communicates with the flutes-.31 through a plurality of vertically spaced openings 39. The

purpose of the centralpassageway 38 and the spaced openings 39 is to promote circulation'of the liquid as it passes along the core" 35.

It has been found by experiment thatreducing' the cross-sectional area: of the magnetic core byslots; holes, or other means, increases the amper age input of the heater; The explanation is that when the core cross-section is reducedythe reluctance of the magnetic circuit is increased,

which results in the reduction of the impedance: of the primary winding 1' and-anincrease in flow Thus, the" erally identifies an immersion type' of induction heating unit. As is here shown, the heater H includes an outer iron or ferrous cylindricalv shell or casing Hi the upper end: of'which is. received in a recess 45' formed in a plug 46. The casing Ill may be secured to the plug in any suitable manner, for example, by welding as indicated at- The plug AS is externally threaded: and is mounted in a threaded opening 48 formed in a bushing 49 welded into the top of a boiler or liquid storage tank- 25 are provided in the head ofthe'plug for engagementby a wrench (not shown) for aiding in attaching and detaching the heater 'H' from the tank 25 A non-magnetic tube or duct l preferably cop per, is disposed in the casing in and is arranged so that it projects to a point below thelowerend of the casing Ill An annular iron centering ring 5| is disposed between the non-magnetic tube I a and the magnetic casing and-is suitably bonded to said casing, but" has a sliding fit with said non-magnetic tube. A flexible copper sleeve 51* is welded or otherwise secured at its opposite ends in fluid-tight engagement with the casing Hi and tube I respectively.- The ring 51 and sleeve Si thus cooperate to provide an expansion joint which compensates for the differential expansion of the ferrous'casing Ill and the copper tube l and at the sametime maintains a seal which prevents access of liquid into a chamber 52 above the ring 5! between the nonmagnetic tube I and-the magnetic casing" 10 The upper end of the non-magnetic tube l is preferably branched as illustrated in Fig. 10 'to provide portions l and which project out wardly through openings MW and IO formed in the casing Ili The portions l 'and l' are in in" timate contact with the walls" defining the openings iii and Iii and a liquid-tight seal" at the points of contact may be insured by soldering or otherwise to prevent the entrance of wate'r'intothe chamber 52. A second annular'ring 53, gcn-' erally similar to the ring 5| is interposed be- Intersec'ting' slots Ell tween the non-magnetic tube l and the casing Ill at a point just below theopenings I'D and l0.

A primary winding 'I consisting of at least two layers of'glass'insulated wire similar to that employed in' the primary winding '1' is wound around the tube l and disposed in the chamber 52 between the rings 5| and53; Leads lfl and 20 'of the primary winding '1 extend through-an opening 54 in the ring53,'thence"aroundthe branched'portion l of the casing lfl 'and'through a rubber core 5 1 disposed in a tube 54 mounted in a threaded opening 55 formed in the mounting plug 46. The leads 19 and 20 are connected witha switch box (not shown) similar to the box for controlling the supply of current to the primary winding i The rubber core 5t forms a seal for preventing room air from entering the coil chamber 52'. Therubber core 54 prevents abrasion of the leads 19 and 20 at the point where they leave the casing Hi and. also serves the very important purpose of preventing short-circuiting of the coil winding which would otherwise result from a condensation of the moisture within the casing 10*; In connection with the latter, if the chamber 52 were open to the atmosphere, and with the upper portion of the heater I-I' hot and the lower portion cold, air would be induced to flow toward the bottom of the chamber 52- where it would becomeheated and rise upwardly along the surface of the coil I and the moisture in the air would collect at the top of the chamber until the dew point was reached and then condense. The condensate would eventually impregnate the insulation on the winding and short-circuit the magnetic core 2 is of smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of the non-magnetic tube l The opposite ends of the magnetic tube 2 are slotted to provide four fingers 56 which are spread apart, or diverge outwardly,

into tight engagement with the inner surface of the non-magnetic tube l The overall length of the tubular core 2 is such that the ends of the upper fingers are disposed in substantially the same plane or zone as the ring 53 and the ends of the fingers at the lower end of said tube are disposed in substantially the same horizon'tai plane as the ring 5|. Thus, a closed magnetic circuit is provided by the core i the rings 5! and 53 and the outer core or casing Ill The length of the non-magnetic tube i is preferabl such that it terminates a short distance above the bottom of the storage tank 25 (see'Fig; 14); Water or other liquid to be heated by the immersion heater H is introduced into the bottom of the tank 25 through a supply pipe 51 and heated water is withdrawn from said. tank.- through a service pipe 558.

The induction heater operates on the same principles as the induction heater H previously described. The water to be heated circulates upwardly through the heater in the space between the non-magnetic tube l and the tubular metallic core 2 and also through the passageway in said tubular core and then flows outwardly through the branched portions l and I at the upper end of the core 2 Thus, the

heated liquid is delivered to the upper end of withdrawn through the service pipe 58, the err-- gravity circulation of the liquid in said tank as indicated by the arrows.

Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate a modified form of heater H, which provides greater efficiency and economy than the heater shown in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. The heater H includes an elongated cylindrical steel housing 59 having the large end 60 of a steel reducer coupling 6| secured to theupper end thereof. The small end 52 of the coupling 6| surrounds and is secured to a cylindrical skirt 63 depending from a ferrous fitting '54. The lower end of the housing 59 is connected to'the large end of a similar coupling Stand the small end fill of said coupling surrounds and is secured to 'a skirt 63 projecting upwardly. from a ferrous fitting 69; A ferrous. inlet pipe 78 is threaded into an opening ll in the fitting as and a ferrous outlet'pipe i2 is threaded into an opening 13 in the fitting 54.

A copper tube or duct l is arranged concentrically within the housing 5% and its upper end is received within and secured to the skirt 63 ofv the fitting 8d. The tube l extends downwardly through the housing 59 and its lower end terminates short of the upper end of the sleeve 63 of the lower fitting B9. plated magnetic core 2 similar to the core 3!. is mounted in the tube 1*, providing four flutes or passageways 33 for fluid in said tube.

A ferrous casing lfi substantially of the same length as the housing 59, is arranged concentrically between said housing and the tube l An annular ferrous ring 53 is mounted in the upper end of the casing ID and is welded in fluid-tight relation to both said casing and the tube l A pair of vertically spaced ferrous rings M and i5 is disposed at the lower end of the casing It The outer periphery of the rings 14 and T5 is welded or otherwise secured to the inner surface of the casing Hi and the inner periphery of said rings has a sliding fit with the outer periphery of the tube l A rubber sealing ring it; is mounted in the space between the rings l t and i5 and. forms a fluid-tight seal between the casing It? and the tube 1* thus preventing all fluid from entering the space 52 between the rings 53 and is. In addition, the rings M and i5 and the sealing ring '16 provide an expansion joint which accommodates the differential thermal expansion of the ferrous casing HP and the copper tube l The chamber 52 contains the primary winding "l of a transformer which may consist of a greater number of layers of insulated wire Such inthan employed in the coils l or 1. crease in the number of layers of the coil 1 is made possible by the fact that the housing 59, the couplings El and $5, and the fittings 6G and 69 provide a water jacket for absorbing additional heat from the coil, as will appear more fully hereinafter.

The housing 59 has an opening 71 extending through the side wall thereof and the casing Ii! has a similar opening it aligned therewith. A ferrous tube 79 is mounted in fluid-tight engagement with the openings Ti and i8 and bridges the water jacket space 81! between the housing 59 and casing lfi A rubber core BI is mounted in the tube i9 and the leads I9 and 20 of the coil or winding l extend through said rubber core for connection with a suitable source of electric current. The rubber core 8! seals the chamber 52 from the atmosphere and thus prevents air from carrying moisture into said,

A copper- 8 chamber, with the result that shor't-circuiting of the coil l is prevented in the same manner set forth in connection with the coil 1 of Fig.

The spaceSEJ between the casing W and the housing 59 is, of course, annular and provides a concentric duct which communicates at its lower end with a diffusion chamber 82 in the flared portion of the coupling t5, and at its upper end with 'a chamber 83 in the coupling Bl, which chamber assists in inducing siphonic flow of liquid upwardly in said annular duct, as will be explained more fully hereinafter. The copper tube I has a plurality of openings 84 formed therein in the portion thereof disposed between the ring 53* and the skirt 6% for establishing communication between the chamber 83 and the interior of said tube.

The heater H may be connected in a pipe line including the pipes It and 72 to heat the liquid as it passes through said line. The heater H" operates on the same principles as the heater H- 7 jacket space 88in the housing 59. The water is progressively heated by the coil 5*? in the same manner described in connection with Figs. 1 to 5, except that heat isalso transferred from the casing lil to the fluid in the jacket space 86, instead of being lost by radiation to the atmosphere. Thus, the greater amount of the heat produced by the coil "l is substantially all absorbed by the water and the efiiciency of the unit is increased as much as 30%. The'heated water flows upwardly in the tube l and in the jacket space as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 15. The heated water from the space 86 enters the chamber 83 and flows therefrom through the openings 84 into the tube l mixes with the heated water in I the tube. l and passes from the heater H through the outlet pipe l2.

The provision of the water jacket Eli-89 in the heater H" makes it possible to satisfactorily employ the rubber packing ring it and the rubber core 8|because the lower or inlet portion of said heating device remains comparatively cool. i Y I It will also be understood that the heater H", may be connected with a storage tank and serve as a side arm heater by connecting the pipes H1 and 12 with the lower and upper ends, respectively, 1 of a conventional water boiler (not shown). It will be apparent that, in such event, the heated water will collect in the upper portion of the boiler and will be immediately available for withdrawal; in the same manner described in connection with the side arm heater shown in Fig. 5. The circulation of the water in the boiler is also similar. 1 However, the natural circulation in the heater H itself is different due to the presence. of the water jacket 59-80. Thus, while heatedwater is continuously delivered to the upper part of the boiler (not shown) circulation is induced in the jacket space or concentric duct 80 by' siphonicaction, the relatively rapid flow of heated water through the central tube or duct I effecting an ejector action in the zone of the openings 84 andtdrawing water from the cham- Figs. and 15. As here illustrated, a copper:

tube containing a copper-plated magnetic core 2:is surrounded at its. lower end by a casing Ill containing a primarywinding l of a transformer coil. An annular iron ring 1 5 is welded at its outer, periphery to the casing ld but has a free sliding fit at its inner periphery with the exterior of the copper tube l Aflexible bellows or Sylphon member, has. one end 85 thereof welded or otherwise secured to the casing W and its opposite end 86 similarly secured to the adjacent end of the tube i. The member 84 is providedwith one .or more corrugations 8! which permit the same to contract and elongate in a direction longitudinally of the casing H) and the tube l to maintain a tight seal preventing liquid from entering the coil chamber 52 and at the same time .compensate for the difierential expansion of the ferrous casing H1 and the copper tube i.

It: willbe understood that the length of the magnetic core andnthe length of the primary winding of the induction heating apparatus described herein, may bevaried as desired to provide fluid of any temperature necessary to meet the requirements .oi'a given installation. It will also be understood that the apparatus is operative without anon-magnetic coating on the core, but that such device is. less efficient, and hence a plated inner core is preferred.

It. will be further understood that the circuit to the primary winding may be maintained closed by the control switch and the supply of current to the primary winding varied to provide fluid at a given temperature, under the control of a conventional thermostat operated switch (not shown).

It will be still further understood that the copper surfaces in contact with the heated water will reduce or eliminate the deposit of solids thereon from the water, thus maintaining an unrestricted flow or circulation of water through the heating apparatus at all times.

While three forms of induction or transformer heaters have been disclosed herein, it will be understood that various changes may be made in the details of construction and arrangement of the parts thereof, without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the annexed claims.

I claim:

1. An induction heater, comprising: an elongated magnetic core having a fluted exterior; a coating of non-magnetic metal on the exterior of said magnetic core; a non-magnetic tube surrounding said magnetic core and having the interior surface thereof in intimate contact wtih the non-magnetic coating on the portions of said magnetic core between the flutes; a primary winding on the exterior of said non-magnetic tube; and a ferrous casing surrounding said primary winding.

2. An induction heater, comprising: an elongated magnetic core having a fluted exterior; a coating of copper on the exterior surface of said magnetic core; a copper tube surrounding said magnetic core and having the interior sur- 10 face thereof in intimate contact with the copper coating on the portions of said magnetic core between the flutes; a primary winding on theexterior of said copper tube; and a ferrous casing enclosing said primary winding. 7

3. An inductionheater, comprising: a copper tube; an-iron core within said copper tube, said iron core comprising a length :of tubing 01 smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of said copper tube and provided with a plurality of outwardly extending fingers at the opposite ends thereof; a plating of copper on said iron core, said fingers including portions in intimate contact with the interior surfaces of said copper tube; a primary winding onthe exterior of said copper: tube; ancl'an iron casing surrounding said primary Winding.

f1. An induction heater, comprising: a magnetic core having a plurality of longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced ridges formed thereon providing a flute between each two adjacent ridges; a plating of copper completely encasing said magneticuccre; a copper tube of greater length than said magnetic core surrounding said magnetic core and having the interior surface thereof in intimate .contact with the copper plating on the crown of the ridges of said magnetic core; a primary winding on-the exterior of said copper tube; a ferrous metal casing surrounding said vcopper tubes and enclosing. said primary winding, said casinguhaving' an opening through which the leads of said primary winding extend; and a switchmounted upon the exterior. of said casing and connected with said leads for controlling the supply of current tosaid primary Winding.

5. An inductionheater of the immersion type, comprising: an elongated ferrous metal casing; means secured to. said casing for mounting the same in a fluid storage tank,- said casing having a pair of openings extending therethrough adjacent the upper end thereof a non -magnetic tube concentrically mountedin lSaid casing, the upper end of said nonmagnetic tube being branched and including portions extending through said openings in said casing and being in intimate contact with the walls defining said openings, the lower end of said now-magnetic tube project ing through the lower end Of said casing; means forming a fluid-tight seal between the lower end of said casing and said non-magnetic tube; a primary winding surrounding said non-magnetic tube and disposed Within said casing between said seal and the branched upper end of said nonmagnetic tube; and a magnetic core disposed within said non-magnetic tube, said magnetic core including portions spaced from the inner surface of said non-magnetic tube to provide passage means for the flow of fluid through said nonmagnetic tube.

6. An induction heater of the immersion type, comprising: an elongated ferrous metal casing; means secured to one end of said casing for mounting the same in the upper end of a liquid storage tank, said casing having a pair of openings extending therethrough adjacent the upper end thereof; a non-magnetic tube concentrically mounted in said casing, the upper end of said non-magnetic tube being branched and includ ing portions extending through said openings in said casing and being in liquid-tight contact with the walls defining said openings; the lower end of said non-magnetic tube projecting through the lower end of said casing; means forming a liquid-tight seal between the lower end of said casing and said, non-magnetictube; a primary winding surrounding said nch-magnetic tube and disposed within said casing between said liquid-tight seal and the branched upper end of said non-magnetic tube; and a magnetic core disposed withinsaid non-magnetic tube, said magnetic core being tubularand including portions spaced from the innersurface of said nonmagnetic tube to provide passage means for the flow of liquid through said non-magnetic tube.

,7. Liquid heating apparatus, comprising: an immersion type liquid heater, said liquid heater including an elongated ferrous casing; means secured to the upper end of said casing for mounting the same in an opening of a storage tank, said casing having openings formed therein adjacent the upper end thereof; a, non-magnetic tube disposed in said casing, said nonmagnetic tube being branched at its upper end and including portions extending through said openings in said casing and being in intimate contact with the walls defining said openings, the lower end of said non-magnetic tube projecting beyond the lower extremity of said casing; means at the lower extremity of said casing forming a liquid-tight seal between said casing and the lower end of said non-magnetic tube; a primary winding surrounding said non-magnetic tube and disposed between said seal-forming means and the branched portion of said non-magnetic tube; and a magnetic core disposed in said non-magnetic tube, said magnetic core comprising a length of tubing of a smaller external diameter than the internal diameter of said non-magnetic tube and provided at its opposite ends with a plurality of outwardly diverging fingers, the extremities of which are arranged in intimate contact with the interior surface of said non-magnetic tube, whereby to permit the passage of the liquid to be heated upwardly through the annular space between said magnetic core and said non-magnetic tube, as well as through said non-magnetic core, for discharge through the branched portion of said non-magnetic tube.

8. A liquid heater, comprising: a non-magnetic tube; an iron core arranged concentrically within said non-magnetic tube, said iron core including portions spaced from the inner surface of said non-magnetic tube to permit passage of the fluid to be heated between said iron core and the inner surface of saidnon-magnetic tube; a primary winding on the exterior of said nonmagnetic tube; a magnetic casing surrounding and enclosing said primary winding; an expansion joint between said. magnetic casing and said non-magnetic tube to compensate for the differential expansion of said casing and tube; and a housing enclosing said magnetic casing and non-magnetic tube and providing a jacket around said casing for absorbing the heat transferred through said casing.

HOLLIS C. INMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 500,520 Wetmore June 27, 1893 978,808 Ayer Dec. 13, 1910 1,193,404 Ludwick Aug. 1, 1916 1,260,564 Magnusson et a1. Mar. 26, 1918 1,273,389 Ludwick July 23, 1918 1,322,416 Fossati Nov. 18, 1919 1,362,622 Hendricks Dec. 21, 1920 1,375,084 Cox Apr. 19, 1921 1,515,729 Clement Nov. 28, 1924 1,551,766 Northrup Sept. 1, 1925 1,780,426 Hyde; Nov. 4, 1930 1,981,632 Northrup Nov. 20, 1934 2,218,999 White Oct. 22, 1940 2,302,774 Jarvis Nov. 24, 1942 2,407,562 Lofgren Sept. 10, 1946 2,462,746 Inman Feb. 22, 1949 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 14,884 Great Britain July 19, 1905 504,880 Great Britain 'May 2, 1939 

